If you want to play old Sega Genesis(/Mega Drive) games, you have all sorts of options. You can buy used games on the cheap or you can emulate for even cheaper. If you want to stay on the legal side of things, you can try the SEGA Forever games on your smartphone. However, the upcoming Sega Genesis Mini looks like it’s going to be the absolute best option.
Hasn’t There Already Been A Sega Genesis Mini?
If you’ve been in a Walgreens/other similar store in the past 10 years or so, you’ve probably seen mini Sega Genesis consoles that plug right into your TV and let you play Sonic. So what’s the difference? Those were all made by AtGames, and they were plagued by shoddy emulation issues. This is the real deal, as it is being handled by Sega and M2 (a legendary retro game outfit), so this is a quantum leap forward compared to the old ones. This is the first Genesis Mini that can really compare to the NES Mini and SNES Mini.
Can’t I Just Use A Raspberry Pi And Retroarch?
Of course you can, and that’s a great option. The obvious difference, though, is that this is a completely legal option. On top of that, you’ll have a gorgeous mini Genesis in your living room to show off. If you grew up with a Genesis like I did, that’s a big plus.
What Games Does The Sega Genesis Mini Have?
Now, down to the real issues: the games. After all, none of this matters if the games themselves aren’t good. Well, I got good news, because as of a few weeks ago Sega has finished announcing a 42-game lineup that comes pretty close to perfection. The games are as follows (at least for North America, with different lineups for Japan and for the rest of Asia):
- Ecco the Dolphin
- Castlevania: Bloodlines
- Space Harrier 2
- Shining Force
- Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
- Toe Jam & Earl
- Comix Zone
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Altered Beast
- Gunstar Heroes
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2
- Earthworm Jim
- Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse
- World of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck
- Thunder Force III
- Super Fantasy Zone
- Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
- Streets of Rage 2
- Contra Hard Corps
- Landstalker
- Mega Man: The Wily Wars
- Street Fighter II: Special Champion Edition
- Sonic Spinball
- Phantasy Star IV
- Beyond Oasis
- Ghouls ‘N Ghosts
- Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle
- Golden Axe
- Vectorman
- Wonder Boy in Monster World
- Tetris
- Darius
- Virtua Fighter 2
- Alisia Dragoon
- Monster World IV
- Kid Chameleon
- Road Rash II
- Eternal Champions
- Columns
- Dynamite Headdy
- Strider
- Light Crusader
I have been waiting months for Sega to announce Road Rash II on this console, and I was worried it wasn’t gonna happen because of issues with EA. Well, my prayers have come true, and Road Rash II joins a list of heavy hitters as well as slightly less popular cult classics. If you grew up playing Sega games, there’s a good chance this list has a bunch of your favorites.
What Accessories Does The Sega Genesis Mini Come With?
The Genesis Mini will ship with a power cable, and HDMI cable, and two three-button controllers (the ones you most likely think of when you think of Genesis pads). Six-button controllers will be sold separately, which is a consideration for people who plan on playing fighting games. The controllers plug in through good old USB A, so it shouldn’t be a problem finding compatible controllers.
Do I Really Need A Sega Genesis Mini?
At the end of the day, no one really needs these retro consoles. With all of the emulation options available nowadays, both legal and otherwise, these are about the most expensive ways there are to play these games. However, they are lovely pieces of nostalgia that can class up your living room, and it’s always good to encourage the preservation efforts of game companies. I didn’t think the NES Classic or SNES Classis offered enough value, so I didn’t get them. The Sega Genesis holds a special place in my heart, though, so I’ve already preordered the Genesis Mini. If you think you might want to as well, you can preorder for $79.99 ahead of its September 19th release.
Anyways, good luck counting off the days until September 19th! If it’s any consolation, I’ll be here suffering through the same thing. And remember, Sega does what Nintendon’t!
